I'm in the market for a car, I don't drive around town and can't justify
a new vehicle.
I want a reliable road car that will last a few decades.
I don't care about A/C or any modern conveniences.
I'm considering a 122s as they seem very driveable, very repairable and
very durable.
Anyone care to comment or make another suggestion?

Thank you,

Ray


http://community.webtv.net/RAYVARELLA/WelcometoVarellas

I have a 1982 244 Turbo and would recommend it to anyone who is
mechanically competent.

The Turbo is a "better" car than the non-Turbo, performance wise.

But if you can't work on it yourself, do not get a Turbo: the cost of
maintenance and repair could be discouraging.

For those whose mechanical ability is nil, a non-Turbo 240 should do
fine, provided the one you buy is already in very good condition: look
around, they're out there.

Unlike earlier series Volvos, there is still a ready source of parts at
wrecking yards for 240s.

Ray Varella wrote:

I would say look at a 240, they're plentiful and older ones are cheap,
lots of parts available. Something as old as a 122 will be a lot harder
to find parts for and is a much more primitive car but if you don't mind
that they can be neat cars.

i would vote for a mid 90'S 940, 940t, or 960...
w/safety cage, air bags, abs brakes, etc....
ebay...est btwn $2k - $4k for a nice one....
maybe one w/<100k miles.....should be pleanty
of life left in it....




James Sweet wrote:

Any rear wheel drive around 1990 up is going to give you value for money
..940 740 240 but not unless you check it out with a Volvo expert any V6 .We
have a 1988 turbo 740 ,1990turbo 740 ,and a 240 DL all running well .Simple
to work on cheap if you check out the Volvo car club recommended mechanics
not the Volvo retailers as they charge like wounded bulls .Best bet as bean
counter says a 940 turbo or non .
"~^ beancounter ~^" <richbonilla (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

Well, if you don't care about modern conviences, i.e. heated seats, air
conditioning, power driver's seat, then go with an early 1990s 240.
However, if you do want those modern things with the structural
integrity of the 240, go with a 900 series.

Robert
1993 Volvo 940

My '91 240 had heated seats. Don't know when this became available. 240s
have always had air conditioning. You're right about the seats, manual
glider only.

Most difference between 240 and 940 is look/style. If you want/need turbo,
you'll be getting a 940 (there were some 740s, and a few much older 240s).

Either model, if kept in good condition, will be very solid cars for many
years, and easy/cheap to maintain with careful selection of an independent
qualified Volvo mechanic. Be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection from
someone who knows these models. Your local city or state chapter of Volvo
Club of America (VCOA) is a good place to get a reliable referral of
recommended mechanics.

960 is very different from 940 in the engine and power train. Much more
modern, worse gas mileage (6 cyl engine), higher maintenance expense, more
luxury. For a couple of years, the 960 became the S90. Like the earlier
posters said, stick with 240, 740, 940.

<print.fhs (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote